How long do decorative rabbits live, the impact on the life expectancy of the breed itself and living conditions

Decorative rabbits are gaining more and more popularity as pets. They bring a lot of positive emotions to their owners. One of the questions that future owners of an animal are asked is the question of how many years rabbits live. Of course, the conditions in which the family pet lives will play a significant role here, but a lot also depends on the breed of the decorative rabbit.

Breeds of decorative rabbits

Most the following types are popular decorative rabbits:

• pygmy ram
• dry ram
• Dutch
• dutch fold
• shorthair pygmy
• fox pygmy
• lion head
• angora lion
• angora pygmy
• hermeline
• pygmy butterfly
• pygmy hare
• squirrel.

Lop-eared ram is one of the most popular breeds among lop-eared rabbits. Such animals are distinguished by a gentle complaisant character and ingenuity, they love to play. Very suitable for families with children. Very devoted to their owner. In addition, pets of this breed are slightly larger than other decorative dwarf rabbits. The average life expectancy is from seven to eight years, but if the animal is sterilized, then its life span can increase to twelve years.

Another representative of lop-eared rabbits – pygmy ram. Animals of this breed have a very funny cute appearance due to hanging ears and soft fur, as well as a little clumsiness. It is these qualities that make the future owners of the animal fall in love with themselves. The life expectancy of decorative rabbits of this breed ranges from five to seven years, but with good care, the animal can live with its owners for up to twelve years.

When purchasing a decorative rabbit, you should ask the seller about the pedigree of the animal. Information about possible hereditary diseases and how to treat them will help prolong the life of an animal for a couple of years. It is also necessary to find out what vaccinations are or should be given. It is preferable to buy an animal in a nursery or from a breeder than in a store or in the market.

Lifespan rabbits also depends on proper nutrition and living conditions.

The animal should not constantly live in a cage, it needs to move around. Lack of movement leads to pet obesity, as well as heart and liver diseases. At least an hour a day, the animal must walk around the apartment, while it must be closely monitored, otherwise it may gnaw through some wires or ruin furniture. In addition, without supervision, a family pet can be dangerously injured. If possible, you can buy a leash and walk the animal on the street. Fresh air will have a positive effect on his health, and the pet will get a lot of pleasure from the walk itself.

The cage must be spacious, about three to four times more than the animal, because crowding negatively affects the health of the pet. It must be installed away from drafts, heating and household appliances, because they can cause inconvenience and harm to the pet. Here it is necessary to place toys for the animal, install labyrinths or tunnels, as well as stairs. Rabbits get used to the tray very easily, so it must also be placed in the cage.

The animal should not experience stress, as they have a deplorable effect on its nervous system. You should know that rabbits are very shy, they are contraindicated in sudden movements and loud noises. The pet should be taken very carefully in the hands and in no case should you pick it up by the ears.

Feeding a decorative rabbit

An important role in how long a rabbit lives is played by him diet. Grass should not be given fresh, it should be allowed to lie down a little and tuck. Mandatory raw vegetables and special dry food, as well as hay. There must be an automatic drinker in the cage, boiled water should be given, because raw water negatively affects the pet’s stomach and teeth. You should also lay branches of an apple tree, pear, linden or other trees, as well as a good idea to install a mineral stone so that the animal has the opportunity to grind down its teeth.

In no case don’t feed your pet products from your table, especially chocolate or other sweets, especially meat. It must be remembered that the pet has a great need for vitamins, so twice a year in the offseason, the animal should be given a complex of vitamins.

Thus, the life expectancy of decorative rabbits depends not so much on the breed, but on the conditions of its maintenance and proper care for it. Subject to the rules described above, the pet will live a long time and will delight its owners every day.